Why take this class: we’ll paint a glowing autumn landscape filled with warm colour, soft distance and beautiful light.

You’ll learn how to build your painting in gentle layers, starting with loose wet-on-wet washes and gradually adding texture, depth and detail. We’ll use simple but effective techniques — including plastic wrap for organic tree textures and a vignette effect to guide the viewer’s eye — to create a painting that feels atmospheric and full of warmth.

I’ll guide you step by step as we add tree trunks, branches, a pathway and two small figures walking into the distance. You’ll also learn how to strengthen your darkest tones and recover highlights to give your painting contrast and sparkle.

By the end of the class, you’ll have a finished autumn scene full of glow and atmosphere — and techniques you can use again and again in future landscapes.

🖌 Key Techniques:

Wet-on-wet washes for soft atmospheric backgrounds
Layering to build depth and distance
Using plastic wrap to create organic tree texture
Creating a vignette effect to draw the eye inward
Painting simple figures to add life and narrative
Strengthening dark values for contrast and impact
Lifting colour with a magic sponge to recover light

You're going to love creating this glorious autumnal landscape. This watercolour painting course is packed with exciting ideas and techniques. I will show you exactly how to paint some colourful Autumn Trees from start to finish - you’ll get a real glimpse of what goes into my painting as you work alongside of me up-close and personal. I will remove the mystery of watercolour and show you how to discover new ways to unleash your creativity as you join me on this inspirational journey of start-to-finish demonstrations and techniques. As the video unfolds, you will see how colours work together, how to step into impressionism and push colour to capture the mood and essence of your subject. This class will inspire you to use watercolour in a range of different ways. Best of all, you’ll gain a real sense of accomplishment by creating your own beautiful, evocative Autumn Trees painting.

Is this class for me? Absolutely, 100% yes! All are welcome. If you are a complete beginner, then this course is for you. There are also techniques and ideas for those who already have some experience but want to loosen up a bit, become more expressive, and enhance their watercolour skills. You don't need to know how to draw, as I provide a template of the drawing for you to download and trace - so you can just concentrate on the fun of painting.

What will we explore? This course is packed with:

* Start-to-finish demonstrations so you can see first-hand how to build up the painting every step of the way I have verbally explained the entire process in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.

* Step-by-step guidance and best practice for a range of creative watercolour techniques - I'll be guiding you gently through the whole thing (eg, simplify a subject, add shadows, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, layering colour, blending and softening, adding depth and contrast with tonal values, using masking fluid to preserve white paper, using brush strokes to add texture to foliage, to name but a few!)

* Some of my favourite studio tips and tricks for successful working practices and saving time (eg, use plastic wrap to create abstract texture', use magic sponge to lift colour, layer colour, avoid washed out paintings)

* You will be ‘learning by 'doing' rather than by lecture (you can paint right alongside me, up close and personal)

What do I need? A selection of watercolour paints (at least one red, blue and yellow): a few watercolour brushes, paper, palette, water sprayer, paper towel, pencil, rubber, water pot - you'll probably already have some of these items in a cupboard somewhere.

Alright, let's do it! Come join me for a fun, creative class! Let's get going. Just follow the video boldly along, and you’ll soon have the knowledge and confidence to produce your very own gorgeous Autumn Trees painting that zings with colour and energy.

I can't wait to see what you create!

My Artwork: I’ve been teaching people how to paint with watercolour for many years - you can see more examples of my artwork on my website: http://www.carriemckenzieart.co.uk

Gretchen Bender

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